News Briefs.

The UK's public spending watchdog has reported that ditched government projects resulted in a loss of £6.6bn to taxpayers last year. This figure is based on an analysis of abandoned schemes across various government departments. The Ministry of Defence was…

The victims' commissioner is set to intervene in support services for families affected by a tragedy in Southport. Parents of victims have described the support they received as "woeful", with many still awaiting proper psychological help nearly two years on.…

The Taliban has introduced a new law that effectively bans divorce if the husband disagrees, sparking concerns among activists that it legitimises child marriage. Afghanistan already has high rates of early and forced marriages, with up to 70% of girls…

Pollination is a complex process that involves a variety of interactions between bees and flowers. In Willington, County Durham, the warm May weather brings out a stunning array of these interactions. Bees and flowers have co-evolved over time, resulting in…

A 60-year-old Australian tourist has died while hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, local media reports. The incident occurred near the Sun Gate, a popular viewpoint on the trail. Peruvian authorities have confirmed the death but have not released the…

Chinese authorities have demolished a 10-storey home in the village of Xingyi, Guizhou province, that had gained popularity for its unique, ramshackle design reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's animated films. The structure, built by a local villager, had become a tourist…

Australian fast food chain Guzman y Gomez is exiting the US market, citing the high cost of competing in a crowded space. The company's founder, Steven Marks, has announced that all US stores will close. This decision comes after the…

The US Senate has rejected a $70 billion homeland security bill due to a contentious provision. The bill included $1 billion for security measures at a Trump-owned property, sparking opposition from Republicans. This project, a ballroom, has become a point…

The last group of Australian women and children linked to Islamic State have left a Syrian camp, paving the way for their expected return to Australia. This group is comprised of families who have been detained in the al-Hawl refugee…

House Republicans have canceled a vote on a war powers resolution aimed at ending US involvement in a potential war with Iran. The resolution, introduced by Democratic lawmakers, sought to limit President Trump's authority to engage in military action against…

Labor MPs are anticipating concessions for startups following a backlash against changes to capital gains tax (CGT) rules. The changes, aimed at reducing tax avoidance, have sparked concerns among startups and venture capitalists. Several MPs have expressed a desire to…

Cancer Research UK has reported a record number of melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK. More than 20,000 people were diagnosed with the disease in a single year for the first time. Melanoma is the most serious form of…

Spotify and Universal Music have reached a licensing agreement that enables subscribers to create AI-generated remixes of songs. This deal marks the first time a major streaming platform has allowed users to produce content using artificial intelligence. Universal Music's vast…

US President Donald Trump has expressed uncertainty about attending his son Donald Trump Jr's wedding, citing pressing international matters. Trump mentioned "a thing called Iran" as a significant concern requiring his attention. The president's schedule is likely to be impacted…